FHP: Speed, alcohol contributed to August fatal crash

A final Florida Highway Patrol report for a single-vehicle crash in August states that speed was a contributing factor and that the driver was intoxicated.

By Austin L. MillerStaff writer

A final Florida Highway Patrol report for a single-vehicle crash in August states that speed was a contributing factor and that the driver was intoxicated.

In his report, Cpl. Tomas R. Dillon, a traffic homicide investigator, stated that Steven Wayne Hess, 41, of Silver Springs, died in the Aug. 3 crash as a result of multiple blunt force traumas.

Hess’ blood alcohol content level was .213. The state legal limit at which someone is presumed to be intoxicated is .08. Dillon calculated that the minimum speed of Hess’ 2002 Ford Mustang at 63 mph. The speed limit on the road is 35 mph.

The investigator interviewed Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy Joshua Driver, who said he saw the Mustang fail to stop at a stop sign and that is sped across the road directly in front of him. Driver said he did not see any other vehicles in the area, and did not see Hess breaking.

Troopers investigating the crash said the car was traveling east on Northwest 42nd Street, approaching the intersection with County Road 25A, also known as Gainesville Road. Hess failed to stop at the stop sign and crossed both lanes of CR 25A. The car traveled roughly 20 feet and collided with a tree.

Hess’ wife told investigators he left their home around 10:30 p.m. Aug. 2 to drive around the county, which she said he had done before. She said he had recently purchased the car.